Cheteshwar Pujara feels IPL franchises will realise his potential soon

Pujara was in a sensational form for Saurashtra in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali domestic T20 tournament where he scored an unbeaten 100 against the Railways off just 61 deliveries while opening the innings. He scored 68, 42* and 39* in the next three matches of the tournament against Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Sikkim with impressive strike-rates proving that he can still be a performer in the shortest version of cricket.

Speaking about his chances in the limited-overs set-up of the national side, Pujara said, “If there is an opportunity (to be part of the limited-overs team) after the WC, I would definitely like to be part of it. Wherever the team wants me to bat, I will be happy to do so.”

“Basically for some match practice and be in touch with the game (I am here). Ashwin said it was an important match for us so I thought I will come. I have been hearing great things about Chennai league from players from Saurashtra and few others. Before an international match or first class season, sometimes you need match practice so this is the right platform for some games. This gives a chance to be in touch with the game, the 31-year-old batsman said.

“I think it is determination and love for the game. It is not easy. It takes toll on my body and mentally as well it is not easy. At the same time, you want to challenge yourself as a cricketer by playing in different conditions.”

“I have been batting well this season. 2018 and 19 has been fantastic especially the Australia series which was very important. Personally I gained a lot of confidence. After that, I have realised my game even better and it was just a matter of time. I have been scoring runs but there was a phase when I didn’t score a lot of runs in Test cricket. But the last two years has been good so far and I will like to continue from where I left. I was playing some matches for Saurashtra in Syed Mushtaq Ali and scored runs there. Things are changing. I am scoring in shorter-format also (smiles),” the Saurashtra batsman explained.

“My peak is yet to come. I am batting well and enjoying my game. But there have been instances where I have played some exceptional innings in domestic cricket and I want to do that in international cricket as well. Australia was one example but going forward I will like to continue to do that wherever we play Test cricket.”